Now that it's officially spring, we're itching to get on a trail that's not covered by snow. Not far from our office in Boulder, the Flatirons and foothills beckon us to trek up its peaks and valleys on our lunch breaks or after work. A daypack is essential to hold our water, snacks, phone, and layers. Who do you think makes the best?
Retailers keep telling us that the travel category is exploding and in some stores, travel sales are even surpassing camping and backpacking sales. Shoppers are looking for versatility—something they can take car camping and on the airplane and on an expedition. While duffels are ...read more
This is part four of a multi-part series. The next installments will be published in the coming weeks. You can read the entire series here. We've reached the point in our analysis of the 2020 Retailer Survey results when we start digging into individual product categories to ...read more
It's a simple question, but maybe not so simple an answer. Who do you think makes the best backpacks? ...read more
Some call them waist packs or hip belts, others call them fanny packs. Some wear them to Disneyland, others wear them hiking or fastened to their bikes. Whichever your preference, these compact bags are trending right now—up 50 percent as of November—and numerous outdoor brands ...read more
Cold, wet paws can ruin even a powder day, which is why gloves are lauded as one of the most important pieces of gear. Gloves or mittens, skinning or snowshoeing or just braving the bitter air, these brands are all trying to keep you from thinking about frostbite. Which brand ...read more
Every layering system starts at skin level. And whether it’s wool, synthetic, or a little bit of both, there’s no shortage of brands who make great baselayers. But that doesn’t mean we can’t chime in on our favorites. So tell us, who do you think makes the most killer baselayers? ...read more
Whether you're mountain biking, running, or hiking, water is a must. And if you'd prefer to drink on the go, hydration packs are the best option over water bottles. Vote for your favorite brand and then tell us in the comments what outdoor activity you use a hydration pack for ...read more
Thanks to the coronavirus crisis, sales of dehydrated meal have shot through the roof in recent months. A sizable number of non-backpackers have probably been introduced to them for the first time, but for those of us who hike, dehydrated food is a familiar culinary option on the ...read more
You've probably found that while headlamps are the best for navigating in the dark, lanterns are best for lighting up camp. Whether you prioritize lumen strength, longevity, weight, or versatility, we want to know which brand shines brighter the rest. Take our other poll: Who ...read more
